SMALL-POX. 321 



The pustule, during its serous state, is of a rounded form. It is 

 flattened when the fluid acquires a purulent character, and even 

 slightly depressed towards the close of the period of suppuration. 

 The desiccation and the desquamation occupy an exceedingly vari- 

 able length of time ; and so, indeed, do all the different periods of 

 the disease. What is the least inconstant, is the duration of the 

 serous eruption, which is about four days, if it has been dislinctly 

 produced and guarded from all friction. If the general character 

 of the pustules is considered, it will be observed, that while some 

 of them are in a state of serous secretion, others will only have 

 begun to appear. The eruption terminates when desiccation com- 

 mences in the first pustules ; and, if some red spots show them- 

 selves at that period of the malady, they disappear without being 

 followed by the development of pustules. They are a species of 

 abortive pustules. After the desiccation, the skin remains covered 

 by brown spots, which, by degrees, die away. There remains no 

 trace of the disease, except a few superficial cicatrices on which 

 the hair does not grow. 



The causes which produce the greatest variation in the periods 

 of the eruption are, the age of the dog, and the temperature of the 

 situation and of the season. The eruption runs through its differ- 

 ent stages with much more rapidity in dogs from one to five 

 months old than in those of more advanced age. I have never 

 seen it in dogs more than eighteen months old. An elevated tern, 

 perature singularly favors the eruption, and also renders it conflu- 

 ent and of a serous character. A cold atmosphere is unfavorable 

 to the eruption, or even prevents it altogether. Death is almost 

 constantly the result of the exposure of dogs, having small-pox, 

 to any considerable degree of cold. A moderate temperature is 

 most favorable to the recovery of the animal. A frequent renewal 

 or change of air, the temperature remaining nearly the same, is 

 highly favorable to the patient, consequently close boxes or ken- 

 nels should be altogether avoided. I have often observed that the 

 perspiration or breath of dogs laboring under variola, emits a very 

 unpleasant odor. This smell is particularly observed at the com. 

 mencement of the desiccation of the pustules, and when the am 



